Chapter 90: Chapter 74: The Shepherdess and Special Training

"Explain what?" Baron took a bite of dry bread, then a bite of dry cheese.

"How did you escape from the altar?"

"Escape? Didn’t I say I was just passing by?" Baron grew alert.

He subconsciously observed the layout of the church hall, looking for a good escape route.

Ludwig shook his head. "Based on your and the mayor’s statements, as well as my own investigation, I deduce that you were likely one of the twenty-four people tied to the crosses at the beginning."

"Don’t be so quick to deny it. The Attendant behind me was one of the people tied to a Cross with you last night.

He’s recovered quite well and was able to get out of bed this morning."

Ludwig stepped aside, partially revealing the Attendant’s figure.

When the Attendant saw Baron looking at him, he lowered his head and explained, "This Hunter just asked if I wanted to see my savior, that’s the only reason I came..."

Baron said, "So you think that I, a victim, am also a suspect?"

"Don’t misunderstand. I’m just curious. How did you manage to escape when your body was bound by Forbidden Magic Ropes and your wrists were cut?"

’How did I escape? I just cut them all down and left.’

’Wait, why do I sound so proficient at cutting people down now?’

Baron was alarmed. In his past life, he’d been a model citizen, a product of a peaceful and orderly society. But the longer he spent in this world, the more he seemed to be trending toward becoming some kind of hardened street boss.

"It seems you’re not a Wizard, nor do you look like you can afford a Shielding Array."

’Seriously? Is being poor a crime now?’

Baron said irritably, "I escaped by cutting them down. If there’s nothing else, please see yourself out. I still have to eat my breakfast..."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this answer, Ludwig’s eyes lit up, like a long-starving lion that had just spotted prey on the savanna.

"Then please, take up your sword or saber. Allow me to spar with you, a contest of skill, without using Spiritual Power."

Ludwig drew the Blue Sword from the scabbard on his back.

The sword’s name was Botele, which meant "The Moon Shines Eternal" in the Ancient Prole Language.

As its name implied, the blade was forged entirely from an Alchemy Metal called Moon Iron. When infused with Spiritual Power under the light of the moon, it could unleash Sword Qi.

This was how Ludwig earned the name "Moon Sword Hunter."

And because, aside from his love of slaying Demons, he spent all his time carrying his sword around, looking for others to spar with one-on-one—like a lone wolf that never lets go once it bites its prey—he was also known as the "Lone Wolf Hunter."

’By the looks of it, he wants to fight me?’

’Alright then. At first, I thought he’d discovered my Blood Faction abilities, but it turns out he’s just a martial arts fanatic.’

’But the timing is perfect. I happen to want to test the results of my special training with the Shepherdess in the dreamscape last night.’

Baron scarfed down his dry meal in a few bites and borrowed a single-edged sword from one of the mayor’s men...

Ludwig frowned. "Mr. L, why not use your Alchemy Sword?"

The unspoken meaning was, ’Are you looking down on me?’

Ludwig felt that by drawing his Moon Sword, he had already shown Baron enough respect. But Baron’s act of borrowing someone else’s weapon truly irritated him.

’This Hunter from out of town is far too impolite!’

To this, Baron could only feel apologetic. ’Aside from my gun and bullets, I don’t have a single bladed weapon on me.’

’Unless you count the Fire Saber from Dragon Flame and the Blood Saber from my blood, but using those would completely expose the fact that I’m dual-classing.’

’I’m not sure what the consequences of being exposed would be, but based on the Prole people’s tendency to pray and perform rituals at the drop of a hat, it definitely wouldn’t end well for me.’

Baron gave the sword a few practice swings and found it reasonably easy to handle. He said, "No need. This sword is good enough."

’Compared to the Rapier from my dreams, this isn’t just enough—it’s much heavier and wider.’

’It’s enough to smash Ludwig’s head to a pulp and take out this entire street while I’m at it... Damn, why is my bloodlust getting stronger? Something’s not right.’

’I get it. This is all the Dragon God’s fault.’

"What are the stakes?" Baron asked. "A duel should have a prize, right?"

"If you win, you get my Hunter Badge. It’s a Taboo Item."

Ludwig said coolly, "If you lose, then the next time someone asks, you just have to admit that my skills are superior to yours."

"Deal," Baron answered briskly.